Measurement and Monte Carlo Simulation of Hold-off Characteristics of Pseudo Spark Discharge Gaps

Abstract

We measured hold-off voltages in typical pseudo spark discharge gaps for four different working gases: He, Ne, Ar, and N₂. The effect of the cathode hole diameter on the hold-off characteristics was also investigated. In order to understand the present observations, a simple Monte Carlo simulation of electron and ion motions in the pseudo spark gap was carried out in He.